mandela had a huge impact on president obama inspiring him to public service. the two only met once in 2005 when president obama was then senator obama. >> i am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from nelson mandela's life. my very first political action, the first thing i ever did that involved an issue or policy or politics was a protest against apartheid. >> mandela spent 27 years behind bars for treason, for backing an anti-apartheid charter. he was finally released february 11, 1990. three years later he would share the nobel peace prize with f.w. de klerk, the man he would succeed as president. >> the time for the healing of the wounds has come. the moment to preach the causes that divide us has come. the time to build is upon us. we have at least achieved our political emancipation. we pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continued bondage of poverty, depravation, suffering and other discrimination. michelle kosinski is with us outside of nelson mandela's home and the crowds continue to be drawn there, michelle. >> reporte